Passive control of shock wave applied to helicopter rotor high-speed impulsive noise reduction

A strong, normal shock wave, terminating a local supersonic area on an airfoil (or a helicopter blade), not only limits the aerodynamic performance, but also becomes a source of High-Speed Impulsive (HSI) noise. The application of a passive control system (a cavity covered by a perforated plate) on a rotor blade should reduce the noise created by the moving shock. This article describes numerical investigations focused on the application of a passive control device on a helicopter blade in high-speed transonic hover conditions to weaken the shock wave – the main source of HSI noise.